Protoplast culture and plant regeneration from the suspension cells of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thumb) Mak.

From the suspension cultures of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thumb) Mak. protoplasts were isolated and cultured in a different medium with liquid and nurse culture method. Cell division was observed within 4 days and microcalli were formed within 4 weeks. On an MS solid medium with 1 mg/L of KT and 0.5 mg/L of IAA, protoplast-derived calli differentiated into embryos. Stems and leaves were formed on the MS medium with 1 mg/L of 6-BA and 0.5 mg/L of IAA. Finally, complete plantlets were obtained on a hormone-free MS solid medium.